Pregabalin: how to take it safely
Lyrica
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
When to take it
Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Missing doses. This can trigger seizures.
- Stopping suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
- Alcohol.
- Driving or using machines until you know how it affects you.
- Opioid painkillers and sedatives, which can slow breathing.
- Using more than prescribed.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or a history of drug misuse.
Possible side effects
Dizziness, sleepiness, swollen ankles, weight gain, blurred vision.
Get help if
Trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness, swelling of the face, severe mood changes, or thoughts of harming yourself: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.